WINSFORD Boxing Club is in great shape for the new season, with a pack of promising youngsters ready to burst on to the local scene.

Coach Tommy Blackmore is also punching the air with delight after putting in a new ring down at the Weaver Street gym.

Tommy said: "All the lads are doing well and we have a few girls coming down now as well. And with the new ring, it augurs well for the future.

"The last ring had been here since we started in 1970 so it had seen better days and it's thanks to the grant from the council that we were able to purchase it."

Among the fighters to watch out for this season is 20-year-old Andy Hill, who used to box for Runcorn, and has won all 10 of his bouts so far.

Also set to make an impact are Steve Birtles, a 17-year-old who won two fights out of three in the space of 10 days at the end of last season, and Michael Blackmore, 16, who already has 45 fights under his belt.

New, unboxed members of the club include Craig Maddick, 22, Henry Price, 15, and Dave Jones, 21.

A few weeks ago Tommy was delighted to welcome world champion Shea Neary when the Shamrock Express steamed into Winsford to help with coaching at the club.

Tommy added: "It's good to get help from someone like Shea and people who have been at the club a long time, like Freddie Bishop, make sure we have varied coaching and good skills to pass on.

"We should do well this season. I'm looking forward to it."

The new season begins on October 1 with the West Lancs and Cheshire Amateur Novice Championships, for boxers who have fought 10 bouts or less.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.